Large Format Copy Paper, Blueprint Paper, Drafting Paper Explained

EngineerSupply carries an extensive line of large
format printing paper for use in corporate offices,
engineering businesses, architectural companies,
high schools, colleges, universities, commercial
environments and any one who needs to print large
documents. With many different models and styles
available EngineerSupply is sure to meets your
needs, with professional grade paper for plotters,
Blueline machines and any large format printers.
Please see below for a brief explanation and
comparison of some of the different papers we sell
and what makes them uniquely suited to meet your
business needs. For more information on any of the
information below please feel free to browse our
webstore or call us directly!

Blue-Line Diazo Paper
Blue-Line Diazo paper is specialty paper used to
make blueprints in a Diazo Blueline machine. It uses
chemicals to make a copy of a particular blueprint
by feeding it through the blueprint machine. Slower
speed papers usually yield sharper, denser images

Engineering Copier Paper
Dietzgen Laser Media paper products are designed to
work with many leading brands/manufacturers
including Xerox, Hewitt Packard (HP plotter paper),
Designjet paper, inkjet plotter paper, and many
more. They are ideal for a vast number of situations
including low volume to high output printing
production needs.
Below are some further details into the types of
larger format copier paper we carry.

Bonds
Bond plotter paper is very common in engineering and
architecture. It is known for being a sturdy,
rugged, high quality printer paper. Our professional
Grade Rolled Bond Paper is ideal for Laser Printers
and Wide Format Copiers. Remember the large format
printing machines we have listed under the different
papers are only an example of the printers they will
fit. Rolled bond copier paper is a great
architecture and engineering paper for use in wide
format printing.

Vellums
Vellums are used to make high quality copies of
blueprints. The vellum we carry is made from 100%
cotton. It is an excellent choice for presentation
quality work and archiving. It is ideally suited for
durable high-volume prints and blue-line
reproduction masters.

Translucent Bonds
Translucent Bonds are an economical alternative to
vellum for blue-line copies and overlays. They are
not design for achievable blueprint reproductions
(you will need vellums for producing archive
blueprints). Remember the large format printing
machines we have listed under the different papers
are only an example of the printers they will fit.

What is my Core Size and what does it mean?
Remember, on our website, when you see a list of
recommend large format printer machines compatible
with the plotter paper roll you are view, it is only
a partial list. As long as the core size matches
your printer machine it should be compatible.
Generally a 2" core size is for inkjet applications
and a 3" is for xerographic applications.
If you don’t know what the core size of your paper
is. Measure the core roll opening for your paper
from end to end on. This is the core size for your
rolled large format printing paper.

Do I need to purchase engineering paper that is
Taped or Untaped?
On a taped roll, the paper is secured to the core
with a piece of tape, whereas, on an untaped roll
the paper is not secured to the core. A taped verse
untaped roll of plotter paper is an important
concern. Your plotter printer machine should
indicated what type of plotter paper you need you
will need. But follow these guidelines below if you
are unsure what type you need.

With some wide format printer machines; this tape
signals to the machine that the roll is empty. Do
not use a taped roll in a machine that was not
designed for it because it could cause a great deal
of damage to your wide format printer. However, an
untaped roll can be used in a machine that is
designed to use a taped roll. (At the very worse,
your machine will keep printing images even after
the roll has run out.). For general reference: Xerox
Engineering Systems machines typically require
"Taped to Core", all other machines should use the
"Not Taped". In summary, if you are unsure if you
need a taped or untapped roll, and are unable to
find out which type of paper you printer needs.
Purchase an untapped roll, that way, no damage will
be done to your machine

EngineerSupply has trained customer service
representatives. If you are unsure what type paper
you need or need to know if the paper you have
selected is compatible with your machine, please
contact us and we will be able to assist you in
selecting the correct paper to fulfill plotter
supplies need. If you need help selecting plotter
paper sizes, please see our article.

For more information on how to store and protect
your blueprints please see our extensive line of
blueprint storage solutions.

EngineerSupply was founded and started in 1999 with the idea of aggregating Engineering Supplies, Land Surveying Equipment, Drafting Supplies, Art Equipment, Industrial Equipment, and Construction Tools into one combined catalog. Internet technology allows a company like EngineerSupply to keep a catalog updated, but that alone is not enough... View More